A car park firm has today defended the actions of one of its drivers, who parked in a disabled space in Norwich.

Eastern Daily Press: The RCP run car park behind Anglia Square. PHOTO: Sophie SmithThe RCP run car park behind Anglia Square. PHOTO: Sophie Smith (Image: Archant)

The incident in the car park behind Anglia Square caused fury among passers by, including one who said it was 'disgusting'.

But RCP, which operates the car park, said the driver was carrying out maintenance work near to the space and using the van to 'shield the public' from the work.

The RCP van was photographed by Nigel Townsend, a 49-year-old dryliner from Sprowston, who said: My wife and I went shopping early this afternoon and was shocked to see this RCP Parking Limited van parked in a disabled bay.

'I took the photographs and spoke to two couples who walked past and they were as disgusted as I was.

Eastern Daily Press: The RCP run car park behind Anglia Square. PHOTO: Sophie SmithThe RCP run car park behind Anglia Square. PHOTO: Sophie Smith (Image: Archant)

'These car park companies in my opinion are very ruthless, I've got friends who have been ticketed for things that are pathetic.'

An RCP spokesman said: 'The attendant was carrying out maintenance works in very close proximity to the bay in question and primarily was using the van as a shield from disturbing the public and potentially damaging any property.

'This also gave them access to the required tools. It was noted that the car park was not full and plenty of spaces were available for our customers to use which were in close proximity to the shops.'

RCP describes itself as one of the UK's leading car park operators, and according to companycheck.co.uk has a net worth of £1.5m.

The 'about us' page on its website said: 'We treat every car park as a valuable asset and pride ourselves on our high quality, friendly and secure service that boosts parking revenues and maximises profits.'

Mr Townsend added: 'I was there for three to four minutes and there certainly wasn't anyone about as I was waiting to ask them why they were parked in a disabled parking bay and no noise being made.

'We went into a shop and we returned five minutes later and the van had gone but as we left we saw the van in another car park opposite where Hunters Squash Courts used to be with someone sitting in it.

'If the car park was empty it still doesn't give them the right to park in a disabled bay.'